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Courtland hangs on

High school football: Courtland at James Monroe

Date published: 11/4/2006

By JUSTIN RICE

VIDEO: Highlights from the game

In dire need of a stop against James Monroe, Courtland's defense left no doubt.

Courtland stuffed the Yellow Jackets on four overtime plays and then powered in a rushing touchdown to escape Maury Stadium with a 25-19 Battlefield District win.

The Cougars (8-1, 5-1) clinched a tie in the district standings and probably locked up a Region I, Division 4 playoff spot. James Monroe (5-4, 3-3) likely needs to win against Washington & Lee to assure itself a spot in the Division 3 playoffs.

"They wanted it, we wanted it," Courtland coach J.C. Hall said. "Fortunately we got it and they didn't."

James Monroe had the ball first in overtime, but Courtland's defense didn't give the Jackets an inch.

Robin Spinner was tossed for a 3-yard loss on first down and two pass attempts by quarterback DeVontae Atkins were incomplete. On fourth down from the 13, Ryan Sutherland busted through the line and tossed Atkins for a 12-yard loss.

Courtland's Tajh Pendleton had an 8-yard gain on first down and then pushed through the middle of the line for the game-winning touchdown.

But Pendleton's score was only the shiny bow that the Cougars' defense gift-wrapped for Courtland.

Led by linebacker Adam Sheets, Courtland was stingy enough to slow Atkins. The quarterback completed just 4 of 12 passes and was 1 of 8 in the second half and overtime.

"Adam is the best linebacker in the district and that's not taking anything away from anyone," Hall said. "He's a hell of a player, he calls the fronts and he does just a great job for us."

The elusive Atkins did have his moments, though.

After the JM defense buckled down and held Courtland to a 24-yard field goal on the Cougars' first drive, Atkins answered back with one of his trademark big plays. On second-and-16, he rolled to his right and threw a perfect strike to Trevin Brown, who was behind the defense and cruised in for a 73-yard score and a 7-3 JM lead.

Courtland answered with another long drive for a field goal and then Atkins was back at it.

Date published: 11/4/2006